ANIMAL lovers in the district have been warned about a travelling circus which promotes itself as "RSPCA inspected." The animal charity claims advertising by Harlequin Circus suggests they are endorsed by the RSPCA but the animal welfare group is totally opposed to the use of animals in circuses. And trading standards officers are looking into the dispute on the grounds that customers are being misled.

"I can understand this feud between the RSPCA and the circus," said Jim Potts of Lancashire's Trading Standards Department.

"They are very cheeky reproducing RSPCA visiting cards. This gives the impression that the RSPCA approves of them when in fact they are totally opposed to the use of animals in circuses."

The publicity material, which includes posters and leaflets, show pictures of RSPCA inspectors making spot checks at the circus. This has angered the RSPCA who feel the circus is profiteering on their good name.

"It's an absolute disgrace that the circus is suggesting we approve or endorse their activities," said Alex Ross of the RSPCA. "We want the public to boycott circuses which use animals in their acts because their methods are cruel. The matter is with our solicitors."

Owner of Harlequin's Circus, Martin Lacey, said the claim about the RSPCA was true - they were inspected by the animal charity.

Lacey, who bought the circus from Gerry Cottle, said: "I am only telling the truth. In our programme we have pictures of RSPCA men walking round to prove they do it."

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